America and Christianity #4

"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." (John Jay, 1st Chief Justice of Supreme Court: One of the three men most responsible for the Constitution).

How should a Christian vote? The founding fathers believed that a Christian should vote for a Christian. Considering the corrupt lives of many within the government, many believe no Christian can run for office, or at least once in office it would be difficult for anyone to remain true to the Christian system.
But the past has proven that this is not necessarily true. Men like Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield held high moral values throughout their presidencies. Moral character does not come without a price, however. Both of these men were assassinated.
When it comes time for an election every Christian needs to vote a Christian ticket. There are no perfect candidates, but the best answer is to vote as near to the Bible as possible, given the choices.
The candidate who is closest to God's standard may not win. But according to the men who started America, this is the person who should.

America and Christianity #2

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!" (Patrick Henry).

The same men who authored the First Amendment, did so with the desire to promote Christianity. The First Amendment states - "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The point was to keep the government from completely controlling Christianity. It was not the desire of the orginal authors to call any belief system a religion. Nor was it their desire to let humanism, atheism, and other false religions thrive.
What other source is more equipped for the exercise of authority over nations than the Bible? Patrick Henry understood that America was founded upon the ideal that the gospel in itself had the power to give him "liberty or death." He chose liberty. His formula for liberty was America and the gospel.

America and Christianity #1

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people...it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." (John Adams, 1st Vice President and 2nd President of the United States).

The founding fathers stated that without a moral code the constitution is useless. They believed the moral code was nothing other than the Bible itself. Our current problem with the direction of government is the removal of the Bible as the guiding force behind legislation and its interpretation. Without such guidance our government as we know it is without purpose.

The Big Screen

What kind of influence does entertainment really have on our culture? It may be bigger than you think. When I grew up, the mainstream, popular movies were E.T., The Stars Wars Trilogy, The Indiana Jones movies, and the like. While Spiderman, and Pirates of the Caribbean 3, and some of the other summer blockbusters might not be too bad, many of the mainstream movies today are nothing but filth. If you want to check the content of a movie to examine whether or not it is suitable for you and your children, I suggest looking at http://www.screenit.com/.
According to The Gallup Poll, May, 2006, more than one-fourth of movie-goers feel they have seen a movie that has had a profound effect on their religious beliefs. 81% of this group said the movie strengthened their faith, and about 14% said that it weakened their faith. 5% did not comment either way.
I imagine the reason a majority said there was a movie which strengthened their faith is largely due to the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Although this movie was both fiction and non-fiction in content, the scourging scene and the crucifixion help Christians recognize the torture that Jesus experienced for the salvation of mankind.
I also imagine that movies like The Da Vinci Code, anything directed by Michael Moore, and documentaries that attempt to discredit the true identity of Jesus make up for those who have let the cinema have a negative influence on their faith. It is sad that many are willing to make big bucks by thriving on controversy. But folks go to watch these movies for the thrill of anything that looks like rebellion.
The real purpose of this article, however, is to encourage the reader not to let the media or the entertainment world have ANY influence on what is to be believed. I watched The Passion of the Christ, but if I had never watched it I would still believe that Jesus died the cruelest of deaths for my sins. I do not support controversial movies that attack Christianity and I will not pay one penny to view them. But even if I did see them, I would not let bogus authority lead me down a path of doubt.
The only thing to be accepted or rejected with regard to religion lies between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21. I would add that the historical reality of the life of Jesus on this earth and the creation itself are also extant for our consideration. These alone are meant to be the influencing factors for all cultures.
So don’t ever forget that a movie is just a movie, the media is not equipped with the truth, and the Word of God stands forever.

“That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” ~ (1 Cor. 2:5)

Polling Yourself

According the most recent Gallup polls on religion, updated June of 2007, 63% of Americans claim to be a member of a church or synagogue. When asked about attendance, only 31% admitted that they attend worship services once a week. Another interesting question, "As a whole, is religion gaining influence or losing influence in America?" 55% believed that religion was losing influence. Hmmm, I wonder why?! 63% claim membership and only 31% attend weekly. It is so difficult to figure out why religion is losing influence! How about this folks - "Go to worship!"

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8).

Enduring Sound Doctrine

It is right there in front of our faces. The Bible clearly states - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers" (2 Tim. 4:3). This very important word "endure" needs a true definition. What exactly is Paul talking about?
It occurs to me that many folks are "enduring" sound doctrine...much like a sheep endures being shorn or cattle endure the branding iron. One definition of the word means - "to bear or tolerate." It is there and nothing can be done about it so you have to put up with it. Many hold this attitude toward the commandments given by God in areas of worship and personal conduct. They endure singing without the instrument. They endure not getting to drink alcohol. They endure the narrow road, they just don't like it very much.
That is not what Paul meant when he discussed endurance. This word, in the Greek text, anecho, means "to hold up." The idea behind "enduring sound doctrine" is not putting up with it, but holding it in such high regard and recognizing its holiness so as to live life by the very fiber of its teachings.
The Psalms declare the exalted position of God's word - "And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes" (Ps. 119:47-48).
Paul said correctly, that the time would come when some would not endure sound doctrine. There are certainly some who openly oppose the Bible, but sadly there are also many in the Christian system that often don't love it like they should.

“As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15) ESV.